Beer-Battered Asparagus is deep-fried to golden perfection! This appetizer is a sure party hit: crunchy and delicious with a campfire dipping sauce!
Since we’re on the last leg of Spring, I’ve been making the most of asparagus season. These gorgeous spears happen to be my favorite vegetable of all time, and I love finding delicious ways to prepare them.
Asparagus is no doubt amazing any way you cook it. Whether roasted, steamed, stir-fried, or creamed in soups, it always makes for a great side dish. Today, however, I will share with you a fun way to eat these marvelous spears. Beer-battered asparagus!
Golden and crisp, these crunchy vegetable spears are so addictive you can easily eat a bushel! Serve them with your dipping sauce, and it’s a party waiting to happen.
Helpful tips
- Although I’ve used either thin or thick asparagus, depending on what I have on hand for this recipe, I prefer the thicker stalks as they seem to fare better in the intense heat from the deep-frying.
- For best results, use cold beer and prepare the batter when ready to fry. Do not use flat beer; the fizz helps keep the batter light and crispy.
- To coat the long spears easily, transfer the batter into a tall glass and dip the asparagus. To make sure the batter sticks better, pat the asparagus dry and dredge in flour.
Deep-frying for best results
- Use oil with a high smoke point, such as safflower, peanut, or canola oil.
- Fry at the optimal temperature of 375 F. Too low of heat, the asparagus will absorb more grease and will overcook before the coating has a chance to brown and crisp. A thermometer is always handy but if you don’t have one, drop a little batter into the hot oil. It should immediately bubble and rise to the top.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches as needed to prevent the temperature of the oil from plummeting. Reheat the oil back to the correct temperature between batch cooking.
How to Serve
- You can dip these beer-battered asparagus spears with whatever sauce you like, but I especially love them with campfire sauce, a simple mixture of ranch dressing and barbecue sauce. Great flavor combo!
- Like most fried foods, they’re best enjoyed freshly cooked. Serve immediately for a great texture and crunch!
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1 cup lager beer
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- oil
For the Campfire Sauce
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- In a deep pot or deep-fryer, heat about 2 inches deep of oil to about 375 F.
- Break off tough ends of asparagus. Wash and drain well.
- In a shallow plate, combine 1/4 cup of the flour and half of the salt, paprika, and pepper.
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of flour and the remaining paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually add in beer and whisk until smooth.
- Dredge asparagus in flour mixture to coat. Dip asparagus in beer batter, a few pieces at a time, to fully coat.
- Deep-fry in hot oil, in batches, for about 2 to 3 minutes or until coating is golden brown and asparagus is tender yet crisp.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve with campfire sauce.
For the Campfire sauce
- In a small bowl, combine barbecue sauce and ranch dressing until blended.
Notes
- Although I’ve used either thin or thick asparagus, depending on what I have on hand for this recipe, I prefer the thicker stalks as they seem to fare better in the intense heat from the deep-frying.
- For best results, use cold beer and prepare the batter when ready to fry. Do not use flat beer; the fizz helps keep the batter light and crispy.
- To coat the long spears easily, transfer the batter into a tall glass and dip the asparagus. To make sure the batter sticks better, pat the asparagus dry and dredge in flour.
Nutrition Information
“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”
Amy Liu Dong says
An easy, healthy, and delicious snack to make for everyone.
I love it!
Jamie says
Wow! This looks like a great appetizer! It looks incredibly delicious and is very yummy! Loving it’s crispiness and with the right dips, this is a perfect treat!
Gwynn Galvin says
Delicious recipe and so easy to make too!
Luke Ratford says
Great beer batter recipe with the asparagus and the campfire sauce was so good, the family loved it with our BBQ
Maggie says
Looks delicious. I know my hubby and son would love it!
Sean says
I haven’t thought about frying asparagus but this was a pleasant surprise. The sauce was the perfect addition.
Caitlin says
Is this a healthy, clean eating recipe? I would love to make it.
Lalaine says
I am not sure if this can be classified as healthy, clean eating because of the beer batter. It’s delicious though 🙂
Gisele says
This looks amazing. I’m going to have to try it.
Lalaine says
Please do, they’re delicious!
Lalaine says
Thanks, Gisele! I hope you enjoy it!
Sherry Nappa says
We love asparagus! My husband loves beer, too. I will pin and try later. Looks delish!
Elizabeth O. says
I love the fun twist that the beer brings to this recipe, it’s definitely interesting. I love asparagus and I’d love to learn as many recipes of it as I can. This is a must try for me!
Nicole Escat says
I love asparagus but it is a little bit expensive in our country that is why I don’t cook asparagus recipes for a while. This recipe is a must try!
kateryna says
that looks so delicious!!
Allison Lancater says
This looks delicious. I can’t get my hubby to eat asparagus, but I bet he will eat it this way!
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Lalaine says
I don’t know about amazing but thanks, your kind words are very much appreciated. I checked your site and I will be registering soon. Thanks for the invite.
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Thanks for the visit and the invite. I just registered, looks good!